Newsletter subscription
Homepage » Health Condition Videos » Benign prostatic hyperplasia videos » Surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia

When is surgery used to treat BPH?

For patients who have significant urinary symptoms, despite using medications, there is surgery.

Anaesthetic for prostate Surgery

Whether a patient has a general or local anaesthetic for their surgery will depend on several factors, including the type of surgery and if the patient has any other medical conditions.

In most circumstances a local anaesthetic is used when the patient has compromised lung function, such as bronchiectasis or emphysema.

How effective is surgery for BPH?

Surgery to treat prostate enlargement is extremely effective at improving a patient’s ability to urinate and relieve other symptoms.

Usually, surgery is only offered after medications have failed as surgery has more complications and carries the risk of greater side effects.

There are several different types of surgery now available to treat prostate enlargement:
• Trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP) – a surgical procedure which removes excess tissue from the prostate¹
• Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) – a smaller surgical procedure used for men in poor health or when the prostate is only moderately enlarged. This procedure carries a lower risk of retrograde ejaculation after surgery so is more suited for younger men who still wish to father children¹
• Prostatectomy – a surgical procedure that removes the outer portion of the prostate. This is very effective at treating BPH however it carries a greater risk of complications following surgery, such as wound infection. Prostatectomy’s are usually only recommended for severely enlarged prostates¹
• Laser treatment – used when the prostate is only moderately enlarged or in men who are not well enough to undergo surgery. Laser treatment involves the use of a narrow optic fibre passed through the urethra, and a laser to burn off prostate tissue¹

Mr Christopher Eden
Consultant Urologist

Reference:
1. NHS Choices – Prostate enlargement treatments. Date last updated: 13.07.11. Website:
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Prostate-enlargement/Pages/Treatment.aspx

 

10512 December 2011